🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R80 Year: 1980 Codes Chassis Code: R80/7 (various sub-variants exist) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Airhead BMW motorcycles, known for their robust engineering and touring capabilities. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1980: Other large displacement touring motorcycles from Japanese and American manufacturers. Key Features Vehicle Appeal: Durability, comfort for long-distance riding, and distinctive boxer engine character. Manual Value Proposition: Provides essential knowledge for owners to maintain and repair their classic BMW, preserving its value and performance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital (likely PDF, but can be printed) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive engine disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and tuning for the BMW R80 boxer twin. Fuel System: Carburetor overhaul (likely Bing type), fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance, and fuel pump (if applicable). Ignition System: Ignition timing, spark plugs, coils, ignition control unit, and troubleshooting. Transmission: Gearbox disassembly, reassembly, clutch service, and driveline components. Brakes: Brake system maintenance, fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, and adjustment. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery system, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, and instrument panel diagnostics. Suspension: Front fork maintenance (seals, oil), rear shock absorber servicing, and swingarm bearings. Wheel And Tires: Wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tensioning, and tire fitting/balancing advice. Frame And Bodywork: Frame inspection, body panel repair, fairing (if applicable) removal/installation, and seat maintenance. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain lubrication and adjustment (if applicable). Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common performance issues, starting problems, and electrical faults. Rebuilding: Detailed step-by-step guides for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications. Refurbishment: Guidance on restoring worn components and improving overall vehicle condition. Restoration: Information relevant to bringing an older R80 back to its original factory specifications. Technical Depth Depth: Extensive and highly detailed, covering from basic adjustments to complete engine and gearbox overhauls. Diagnostic Coverage: Includes detailed diagnostic information for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical issues. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Likely PDF Searchability: Typically fully searchable text for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Printability: Designed to be printable for workshop use. Binding Type Digital Format: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Digital Format: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed (boxer) twin-cylinder engine. Displacement: 797 cc (cubic centimeters) Bore X Stroke: 9.5:1 (typically) Valve Train: Overhead valve (OHV), pushrod actuated. Power Output: Approximately 50 hp (37 kW) at 6,200 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model). Torque Output: Approximately 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model). Fuel System Carburetor: Dual Bing constant velocity carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 40mm depending on specific R80 model). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (typically 91-95 RON). Fuel Tank Capacity: Approximately 18 liters (4.75 US gallons). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed manual gearbox. Optional Gearbox Variants: Primarily a single 5-speed unit, but gear ratios could differ between R80/7 and later R80 models. Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch, operated by cable. Final Drive: Shaft drive (cardan shaft). Gearbox Oil Spec: GL-5 80W-90 gear oil is common, but manual should be consulted for precise specifications. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 2,180 mm (85.8 inches) (varies by model). Width: Approximately 790 mm (31.1 inches) (varies by model). Height: Approximately 1,230 mm (48.4 inches) (varies by model). Weights Dry Weight: Approximately 190 kg (419 lbs). Wet Weight: Approximately 200 kg (441 lbs) (with fluids). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Safety: Not applicable to motorcycle safety standards of the era in the same way as cars. Active Features Braking System: Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake (standard on most R80 models from this era), with hydraulic actuation. Lighting: Halogen headlamp, rear taillight, brake light, and turn signals. Passive Features Frame Construction: Steel tube frame, providing robust support for the boxer engine and rider. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Systems: Not applicable. This era of motorcycle focused on fundamental mechanical and electrical systems. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Not applicable. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Not applicable. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually. Valve Adjustment Interval: Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles). Spark Plug Replacement: Inspect every 10,000 km, replace as needed. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: Commonly SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 motorcycle-specific mineral or semi-synthetic oil. Manual will specify precise BMW recommendations. Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts) (with filter change). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid (consult manual for specific chassis requirements). Fork Oil Type: Typically SAE 15W fork oil, with specified fill level. Known Issues Common Wear Items: Carburetor wear, output shaft seal leaks, fork seal leaks, and potential clutch wear over time. Electrical Gremlins: As with many motorcycles of this era, electrical connections and grounds can require periodic cleaning and maintenance. Charging...
Approximately 50 hp (37 kW) at 6,200 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model).
Torque Output:
Approximately 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model).
Fuel System
Carburetor:
Dual Bing constant velocity carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 40mm depending on specific R80 model).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 91-95 RON).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 18 liters (4.75 US gallons).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox.
Optional
Gearbox Variants:
Primarily a single 5-speed unit, but gear ratios could differ between R80/7 and later R80 models.
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, operated by cable.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive (cardan shaft).
Gearbox Oil Spec:
GL-5 80W-90 gear oil is common, but manual should be consulted for precise specifications.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 2,180 mm (85.8 inches) (varies by model).
Width:
Approximately 790 mm (31.1 inches) (varies by model).
Height:
Approximately 1,230 mm (48.4 inches) (varies by model).
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approximately 190 kg (419 lbs).
Wet Weight:
Approximately 200 kg (441 lbs) (with fluids).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Safety:
Not applicable to motorcycle safety standards of the era in the same way as cars.
Active Features
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake (standard on most R80 models from this era), with hydraulic actuation.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, rear taillight, brake light, and turn signals.
Passive Features
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame, providing robust support for the boxer engine and rider.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Systems:
Not applicable. This era of motorcycle focused on fundamental mechanical and electrical systems.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Not applicable.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Not applicable.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inspect every 10,000 km, replace as needed.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Commonly SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 motorcycle-specific mineral or semi-synthetic oil. Manual will specify precise BMW recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts) (with filter change).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid (consult manual for specific chassis requirements).
Fork Oil Type:
Typically SAE 15W fork oil, with specified fill level.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor wear, output shaft seal leaks, fork seal leaks, and potential clutch wear over time.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many motorcycles of this era, electrical connections and grounds can require periodic cleaning and maintenance.
Charging System:
Early models had a less robust charging system; later upgrades are available and detailed in such manuals.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long history of building reliable and durable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive.
Model Evolution
R Series Heritage:
The R80 is part of BMW's highly successful 'Airhead' R series, which dominated their motorcycle lineup for decades.
R80 Introduction:
The R80 model line was introduced in the late 1970s as a middle ground between the smaller R65 and larger R100 models.
Production
Production Period R80:
The R80 series, including variants like the R80/7 and later R80RT, R80ST, R80GS, was produced from 1977 through the 1980s.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motorcycle Industry Awards:
While specific awards for the 1980 R80 are not prominently documented, the 'Airhead' series is widely recognized for its build quality and longevity, earning a strong reputation among riders and critics.
Ratings
Owner Satisfaction Ratings:
High owner satisfaction due to reliability and classic appeal, often cited in motorcycle enthusiast publications.